Discerning Music

With modern media such as Youtube and Social Networking sites it is now easier than ever before for music artists to distribute their work. This is not only true for Secular musicians but creators of sacred music are also employing these methods to get their work out there as well. There is of course nothing wrong with people using modern media in this way but it results in artists having a more direct link to their market place than ever before. As a result Christian leaders are out of the loop and unaware of the musical choices of those to whom they feel a spiritual responsibility.

In the past Christian leaders were aware of what was on sale at the local Christian book store and if they had doctrinal concerns about the lyrical content of a particular artist they could warn those in their charge. However, with increasing sales of music in a virtual world this luxury is no longer available.

To combat this threat I believe it is important that young believers are taught how to discern for themselves between that which is pleasing to the Lord and therefore that which is helpful to the Saint and that which is questionable. Young believers need more than their musical tastes to be satisfied when they are making their musical choices. In Paul's letter to the Colossians he give us a wonderful Scripture that is extremely helpful is this area.

'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.' Colossians 3 v16

This verse is extremely helpful for in it we find the Ingredients of Sacred music and the Intention of Sacred music.

INGREDIENTS
Paul says that our sacred music should be rich in the word, for he starts by saying 'let the word of Christ dwell in you richly'. If I describe a fruit cake as being rich I mean that it is jam packed full of raisins and sultanas etc. Our Sacred music should be jam packed full of Scripture. When I hear so called Christan music with little or no Scriptural language I get concerned. It should also be full of wisdom, that is good advice based on Scriptural principles, it follows that if it is rich in the word then it will naturally be wise. Please note it should not be human wisdom or opinion it should be the wisdom of God. And why is this so important? It is so important because of God's Intention for sacred music.

INTENTION
Why has God given us this wonderful gift of music and singing? Did He give it to us to brighten our days? Did He give it to us to stop us getting board when we are driving or working? No! He has given it to us to teach us. Teach us? Yes, to teach us. Is that not what Paul goes on the describe as the intention of music? 'to teach and admonish one another'. Admonish means to build up. If our sacred songs are full of the word of God and therefore full of the Wisdom of God then naturally they will teach us great Biblical truths that will help build us in our faith. Notice I did not say to make us feel happy, or appeal to our musical tastes (although they might well do so) but the primary purpose it to teach us and build us up.

In conclusion, ask yourself this question. have I chosen my Christian music because it appeals to my tastes or have I chosen it because I know it contains the ingredients that God can use to teach me and build me up? Look at your music collection, read the lyrics and ask yourself these questions. Are these song rich in God's word and wisdom? Will they teach me and build me up?

May the Lord bless you as you seek to make God honouring choices.